Re: HYB:Pod parents (care and feeding)

Betty wrote:
"I've always known that pod parents (any plant) should be given extra
fertilizer and water during the seed production period! At the very least it limits
the stress on the pod bearing plant, but it does effect the seed. I've just
not always been able to provide this care. The summer just past has to rank
at the top of my list for neglecting the pods. No food after spring
fertilization and, in most cases, no extra water. They were scattered all over the
garden and most were on their own. As a result (I think) many were only able
to mature a small number of seed."

After loosing pods from the rain I remove all leaves from the stalk as soon as I see a pod forming. There is only the rhizome to support the pod making. What if the stalk breaks off when the pod is not all the way formed? You can sometimes put it in water and it will continue forming. What is supporting it then? Now that is STRESS. I don't see how water and fertilizer after the pod is forming will increase seed production. The health of the plant before the cross is made might effect it. The weather and cultivars compatibility would be bigger factors. The mother is not making increases when the pod is forming. I don't believe pod making puts stress on the iris, it has nothing else to do at the time the pod is forming.

Mike Greenfield

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